WhatsApp is rolling out a new status feature that works much like Instagram Notes, allowing users to post short text updates that others can see. The Meta-owned platform says the feature is designed to help people share what they are doing, what has changed in their lives, or why they might not be available to talk.
WhatsApp says this “About” status function is not entirely new. Before the app became known for secure, private messaging, users could already post short updates in this space. The company now wants to make that feature more visible and useful.
With the relaunch, your About status will appear at the top of one-on-one chats and on user profiles. Anyone can tap the status inside a chat to reply directly.
Similar to Instagram Notes, the About status will automatically disappear after one day. Users can change this timer to make posts disappear sooner or stay visible longer than 24 hours. You can also choose whether the status is only for your contacts or for a wider audience.
Instagram Notes currently supports short looping videos and even lets people share the music they are listening to. WhatsApp’s version does not offer these upgrades for now, but the company says new options could arrive later if users widely adopt the feature.
